Guru Nanak: Good Actions Matter Most

This week, Sikhs around the world will celebrate the birthday of Guru Nanak Dev ji. One of the most beautiful ways to honor our great Guru is to share the spirit that he brought. This spirit is one of tolerance, and of not getting caught up in religious ritualism. One of inspiring ourselves and others to act as consciously and virtuously as possible.

For 20 years, SikhNet has dedicated itself to spreading this universal message taught and lived by Guru Nanak Dev ji. All of us at SikhNet, are extremely grateful to have the chance to serve the Guru and the Sangat in this way.

This seva only happens because of your support. Guru Nanak’s Gurpurab takes place during SikhNet’s annual fundraiser. Your generosity helps thousands around the world learn about Guru Nanak Dev ji, through a platform that is dedicated to tolerance and inclusion.

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Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Message

As the pressure and insanity of the Kali Yug increases with each passing day, the message of Guru Nanak is needed now more than ever.

So, what was the essence of Guruji's message? - It doesn't matter what you believe, it matters what you do.

Bhai Gurdas narrates a story of Guru Nanak traveling to the Middle East. There were many Haaji's (pilgrims,) going to Mecca. Among them were Kazis and Mullahs, people knowledgeable in Muslim teachings.

ਪੁਛਨਿ ਗਲ ਈਮਾਨ ਦੀ ਕਾਜ਼ੀ ਮੁਲਾਂ ਇਕਠੇ ਹੋਈ॥
Puchhan Gal Eemaan Dee kaazi Mula Ikthey Hoe.
Qazi and maulvis got together and began discussing religion.

This story continues,

ਵਡਾ ਸਾਂਗ ਵਰਤਾਇਆ ਲਖਿ ਨ ਸਕੈ ਕੁਦਰਤਿ ਕੋਈ॥
Vada saang vartaaeya lakh na sakai kudrat koe.
A great fantasy has been created and no one could understood its mystery.

This simple narrative says a lot. In today's world, many people discuss religion, and the merits and demerits of the different religions. Some even argue that religion itself is the problem and without it people would behave more rationally.

Guru Nanak carried a book with him. It contained his songs that were spontaneously composed in various circumstances. These would later become part of Siri Guru Granth Sahib ji.

ਪੁਛਨਿ ਫੋਲਿ ਕਿਤਾਬ ਨੋ ਹਿੰਦੂ ਵਡਾ ਕਿ ਮੁਸਲਮਾਨੋਈ॥
Puchan fol kitab no, hindu vada ki musalmanoi.
They asked (Guru Nanak) to open and search in his book and please tell them, which is better, the Hindu or the Muslim?

Guru Nanak's answer is simple and powerful.

ਬਾਬਾ ਆਖੇ ਹਾਜੀਆਂ ਸੁਭਿ ਅਮਲਾ ਬਾਝਹੁ ਦੋਨੋ ਰੋਈ॥
Baba akhe hajia, shub amla bajhu dono roi.
Baba Nanak said to the pilgrims, hajis, that without good actions both will go crying.

Guru Nanak teaches that it doesn't matter what your belief system is. Our virtue is shown by how we actively make the world a better place. Guru ji goes on to explain,

ਹਿੰਦੂ ਮੁਸਲਮਾਨ ਦੁਇ ਦਰਗਹ ਅੰਦਰਿ ਲਹਣਿ ਨ ਢੋਈ॥
Hindu Musalman due dargeh andar lahan na dhoi.
By being Muslim or Hindu one can not get accepted in the court of God.

The next line in the story gives a truly monumental teaching which can benefit every human being. Guru ji explains that one’s religion is a false identity.

"As the color of safflower is impermanent and is washed away in water, similarly the color of religiosity is also temporary."

We are timeless souls. Though we may take pride in our upbringing, when we leave this earth, it will not matter what our belief system was, only our actions and if we fulfilled our destiny.

The entire world needs this message today. It does not matter what we believe. What matters is that we act from a place deep within ourselves where we honestly know that we have done the very best we can.

In the spirit of the vast and ever expanding power of these perfect teachings, may everyone have a most blessed celebration, in awe of Guru Nanak, the Great Guru whose teachings, and whose being, cannot be contained within our minds.

Happy Gurpurab

Dhan Guru Nanak Tuhi Nirangkar

Radio

To help us remember Guru ji on his most blessed day you can
listen to Guru Nanak Shabads all day on the SikhNet Radio (On Channel 1).

Video

Find out why this video is the most viewed video we have ever uploaded to youtube.
Japji Sahib: The Song of the Soul

Audio Stories

We hope you enjoy this collection of Guru Nanak stories:

This is a quintesential story which illustrates the deep teachings of Guru Nanak in a way that is easy to understand.
Offer What Is Yours

One of the most beloved and classic stories of Guru Nanak where he humorously challenges a popular ritual.
Guru Nanak and the Brahmans

The yogis had a lot of power and respect, but that didn't stop Guru Nanak from challenging their ways and inspiring them.
Nanak's Talk With The Yogis

Have you heard these stories before? Share them with your children!

P.S. SikhNet is in the midst of our annual fundraiser. It is because of your generous support that we can write and send these message on Guru Nanak's birthday. Be part of this Seva and DONATE today.

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Harijot Singh Khalsa

Harijot Singh is a graduate of Miri Piri Academy. He serves as creator of SikhNet Stories. He has also authored several research pieces on Sikh history as well as offered encouraging messages through his articles.